adenocarcinoma
Pronunciation: ad-uh-noh-kar-sih-NOH-mah
Type of cancer arising from glandular tissue, commonly detected through various screening programs.
Full Definition
Adenocarcinoma is a type of malignant tumor that originates from epithelial cells that line glandular structures throughout the body. This cancer type can develop in various organs including the lungs, colon, breast, prostate, and cervix, making it relevant to multiple cancer screening programs. Adenocarcinomas typically maintain some structural characteristics of the normal glandular tissue from which they arise, though they become increasingly disorganized as they progress. The term is frequently encountered in screening contexts, particularly in colonoscopy reports (colorectal adenocarcinoma), mammography follow-up (breast adenocarcinoma), and cervical cancer screening (cervical adenocarcinoma).
Usage
Usage note: Do not confuse with adenoma (benign glandular tumor) or use interchangeably with generic 'carcinoma' which includes other subtypes.
In Context
- "Histopathological examination confirmed moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma of the colon." — Pathology report
- "Invasive ductal adenocarcinoma was detected on core biopsy following abnormal mammography." — Diagnostic report